Julie Peterson, LISW
Meet Julie Peterson, LISW
Julie is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who has worked with individuals, couples and families in a variety of clinical settings such as residential care, child protection services, non-profit charities and organ donation. She also serves as Clinical Manager at Evergreen Therapy Center.
Julie’s areas of specialty include grief and loss, relationship issues, self-doubt, embarrassment, anxiety, depression, isolation and hopelessness. She strives to create a relaxed, empathetic and healing environment for all her clients.
- Location: North Liberty/Cedar Rapids/Telehealth
- Insurance: BCBS, Medicare, Midlands Choice, Health Partners, Cigna and Private Pay
- Ages Treated: 18 and older
- Therapies: Individuals and Couples
- Schedule: Monday: 8AM-3PM (NL)
- Tuesday: 8AM-3PM (NL)
- Wednesday: 8AM-2PM (CR)
- Thursday: 8AM-3PM (NL)
Issues I Can Help You With
- Anxiety, Panic, Stress
- Chronic Pain, Adjustment to Chronic Illness
- Codependency, Dependency
- Grief & Loss
- Depression, Low Mood
- Employment Stress, Burnout
- Family Conflict, Parenting Issues
- Infertility, Postpartum
- Low Self-Esteem, Chronic Self-Doubt
- Perfectionist, Difficulty with Loss of Control
- Relationship Conflict (Couples Therapy)
- Women's Issues
My Style of Therapy
“Before you assist others, put your oxygen mask on first.”
Prioritizing your wellness is essential. Perhaps you feel pulled in a million directions or you have suffered a loss. Perhaps you are stuck in an unhealthy relationship or you constantly compare yourself to others. Breaking unhealthy thought cycles can be life-changing.
We will work collaboratively to achieve your goals. We will continue to build on your strengths, and develop coping skills and strategies to deal with the challenges of day-to-day life.
As a Licensed Independent Social Worker, I strive to create a relaxed, empathetic and healing environment. I understand the importance of meeting clients where they are in their journey. Some of my therapeutic styles include narrative, solution-focused therapy (SFT), cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT) Gottman, mindfulness and spirituality.
Grief & Loss
The worst loss is your loss. Losing a spouse, a child or a loved one is one of most painful and traumatizing experiences. Your life has been upended by this loss. You feel other parts of life are empty or there’s a hole inside of you that can’t be filled.
Moving through your grief is overwhelming, confusing and painful. We will all experience grief and loss at some point in our lives. Mourning a loss can be a challenge in today’s culture.
Perhaps others have told you or implied that you are stuck. Feelings or expressions of grief are often diminished and those in mourning are left with feelings of shame, isolation and abandonment
Together, we will explore your grief and help you along the journey of mourning your loss. We will discuss the stages of grief outlined by some of the top grief experts, such as David Kessler and Dr. Alan Wolfelt, as well as some techniques to best assist you on this journey.
Over time, you will begin to feel more empowered to speak to others about your loss and will recognize the importance of celebrating the ‘little wins’ of the day. Whether you are mourning the loss of a spouse, child, pet, or career, we can work together to heal.
Relationship Issues
The question couples frequently ask themselves goes something like this: “How can we stop fighting and start feeling like we did when we first met?” When couples ponder this question, the suggestions are endless. Communicate better? Rediscover our passion? Date night?
Paradoxically, marriage experts Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, answer this question by saying that each partner must focus on themselves first and foremost. This philosophy is based on the notion that relationships are only as healthy as each person is individually, whether it is emotional or physical health.
Together, we will use tools provided by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrot, as well as Drs. John and Julie Gottman, to pinpoint areas of strength and growth to better your relationship. For example, I will help you to recognize and stop repeating what Gottman calls the ‘Four Horsemen of Relationship Conflict’: criticism, contempt, stonewalling, and defensiveness.
As sessions continue, each of you will begin to have a better idea of how to best show love to your partner, communicate with them and disagree with them. You will better identify each other’s dreams and goals and find a deeper connection with one another.
Testimonials
What Clients Are Saying
"She validates my thoughts and I enjoy that she gives me “homework” and things to try outside of therapy and report back about at our next session."
